Centre for Excellence Newsletter

As we come to the end of another year, it feels important to pause and acknowledge just how challenging this period has been for all of us working across hospices, healthcare, education, and research. 

Across services, teams have faced increasing demand, workforce pressures, financial constraints, and the ongoing emotional impact of caring for patients and families at their most vulnerable moments. Despite these challenges, the commitment, compassion, and professionalism shown by colleagues across LOROS and the wider healthcare community have remained extraordinary. 

Holding on to what matters most

At the heart of everything we do is a shared purpose; we exist to support research, learning, reflection, and development – not only to improve practice, but also to sustain the people delivering that care. 

This year has reinforced how vital it is to create space for connection, shared learning, and kindness towards ourselves and one another. 

Looking forward with realistic optimism

Whilst it would be unrealistic to suggest that the challenges facing healthcare will disappear overnight, there is genuine strength in our collective experience. We move into the new year with hard-earned lessons, renewed determination, and a renewed focus on collaboration with our system partners to drive improvements in care. 

Remaining positive does not mean ignoring difficulties – it means recognising them honestly, while still choosing to place patients and families at the centre of all we do. Together, we will continue to adapt, innovate, and support one another through the months ahead. 

Celebrating leadership

We were delighted to see Camilla Barrow selected to take up the substantive post of Chief Executive of LOROS. Camilla’s commitment to compassionate, high-quality care, and to research, education, and development, has been a defining influence on the Centre for Excellence, and we are immensely proud to see her take on this role. We look forward to working with her as LOROS continues to grow and evolve. 

Thank you

Thank you to everyone who has engaged with the Centre for Excellence this year – whether through attending education sessions, supporting learners, taking part in research programmes, sharing expertise, or simply continuing to show up with compassion and professionalism every day. Your contribution makes a real difference. 

We hope that the festive period offers some opportunity for rest, reflection, and time with those who matter most to you. 

Our education programme through to April 2026 is now available to book at 
www.loros.co.uk/training 

We remain committed to delivering the vast majority of our courses as fully funded. Our Advanced Communication Skills, European Certificate in Essential Palliative Care, and ACP & ReSPECT courses are available to book at a cost.